Description: Portrait of John S. Rarey (1827-1866) and his horse, Cruiser was painted by Miner K. Kellogg (1814-1889). This photograph of the painting was taken before its restoration. The canvas has numerous tears and blemishes. The three-quarter-length portrait shows Rarey standing and wearing a dark suit and tie. Cruiser (1852-1875) is standing to his right. The horse's head rests just above Rarey's right shoulder. Rarey's right hand is reaching under the horse's neck, while his left is at his side holding a leather strap. Over Rarey's left shoulder is an American flag. The painting is signed by the artist and dated 1860. A native of Groveport, Ohio, Rarey gained international fame using kindness, firmness, and patience to train previously unmanageable horses. His innovative methods captured international attention and secured him invitations to tour Europe, Canada, and Russia. In a legendary demonstration, Rarey tamed a vicious horse named Cruiser in three hours and was given the animal as a reward. He then went on to exhibit Cruiser and his techniques throughout the United States and Europe. Miner K. Kellogg was born in Manlius, New York, but moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, with his family as a young boy. Kellogg was known for his portraits, landscapes, and religious scenes, and for arranging art exhibitions. His portraits of famous men include those of Presidents Washington, Jackson, Van Buren, Polk, and Garfield, General Winfield Scott, and Sir Stratford Canning. In the 1850s Kellogg traveled and painted in Europe and the Near East. Kellogg became an art collector of considerable discernment. He died in Toledo, Ohio. Rarey and Kellogg met in England in 1860 while both were at the pinnacle of their careers; Kellogg painted the portrait at that time. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL05935
Subjects: Painting; Rarey, John Solomon, 1827-1866; Kellogg, Miner K. (Miner Kilbourne), 1814-1889; Artists--Ohio--Cincinnati; Art--Conservation and restoration; Horses--Training
Places: England